ACCOR DEBUTS IN PETALING JAYA WITH IBIS PJCC

Affordability, convenience and quality. Key words Ibis PJCC would like business and leisure travellers to remember.

Opened recently in Petaling Jaya amidst the commercial and residential hub of Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre (PJCC), Ibis PJCC is easily accessible via major expressways.

Officially opened by Azrul Shah Mohamad (2nd from left), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor as the guest of honour, the event were witnessed by Suresh Nair (far left), General Manager of Ibis PJCC, Michel Vivier (2nd from right), Senior VP of Accor Hotels (Malaysia and Indonesia) and Christopher Mah (far right), Director of Luxury Alpine.

Guest of honour, Azrul Shah Mohamad (pic above), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor lauded Accor for choosing to open the 161-room Ibis PJCC in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. “It aligns perfectly with the digital trends and preferences of the younger generation; making Ibis PJCC an ideal choice for staycations and business travellers.”

Suresh Nair (pic above), General Manager of Ibis PJCC said: “We’re thrilled to open in a vibrant location with immense potential. Looking forward to playing a pivotal role within this dynamic community, the Ibis PJCC team welcomes guests to a meaningful and rewarding experience during their stay here.”

The interior is a blend of modern and functional elements: the lobby boasts soaring high ceiling with modern chandeliers, and a streamlined reception area. A laidback Lobby Bar Café serves as a welcoming haven for guests to unwind.

Comfortable and contemporary aesthetics dominate the 161 guest rooms, featuring Ibis signature Sweet Beds for a good night’s sleep. Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi access and minibar are also part and parcel of the in-room features.

We were impressed by the rooms, especially those outfitted to accommodate physically challenged guests: the bathroom doors are wide and wheel-chair accessible, grab bars can be found inside the toilet/bathrooms and there's even a bedside emergency button.

A swimming pool overlooking nearby city skyline, a gym and children’s playroom as well as four versatile meeting rooms are available on-site.

The hotel’s all-day dining, Ibis Kitchen, offers local and international fare. We enjoyed the modest, delicious buffet lunch laid out and found the selection palate-pleasing.

Specially curated playlists to suit different mood and performances featuring emerging musicians underscore the Ibis Music programme and the brand’s enthusiasm for live music.

 

For reservations at Ibis PJCC, call tel: 03-747 7500 or email: HA8V8@accor.com or visit Ibis website:  https://ibis.accor.com/gb/city/hotels-petaling-jaya-v5488.shtml

CHINTA COURTS MALAY FOOD LOVERS

Classic Malay cuisine by resident chef Sandra Samad takes pride of place at Chinta by Chinoz in Bangsar.

Heralding a fresh chapter for Chinoz on the Park after its move from Suria KLCC, owner Teng Wee Jeh explains Chinta is a totally different concept from the original Chinoz, saying “For the interim period until the other outlet is ready (in Lucky Gardens, Bangsar), some Chinoz signature specials will appear in the menu at Chinta. Once the other restaurant opens, Chinta will focused solely on Malay dishes.”

Chef Sandra Samad who has a wealth of F&B experience, started at front of house at Rasa Sayang Hotel Penang. Then she became the duty manager at BonTon KL. Prior to joining Chinoz, she was the manager at q*doz Bangsar. During her tenure at Chinoz on the Park, Sandra oversaw the pastry and central kitchen for all Chinoz outlets.

Verdant greenery outside the restaurant beckons diners in. The simple interior exudes old world charm; retro knick-knacks such as wooden biscuit moulds, Nyonya baskets, rustic side cupboards and marble-topped tables as well as framed vintage prints serve as visual interest and decorative touches. 

Teng says, “Chinta serves classic Malay cuisine. Nowadays a lot of Malay food is either too pedas (spicy-hot) or lacks subtlety. At Chinta, flavour is more important than chilli ‘power’. You won’t need a kevlar-coated palate to enjoy our food!”

Topping the must-try list is Chinta’s Northern-style Nasi Ulam Utara (RM33++). Lightly flavoured with fresh turmeric, Basmati rice is tossed with at least 11 types of ulam (fresh local herbs). We love the delicate aroma of the myriad of herbs in the rice; good enough to be enjoyed on its own with a dollop of sambal.

If you order the lunch platter of the herbed rice, it comes with Ayam Rose, telur masin (salted duck egg), keropok ikan (fried fish crackers) and acar (pickles) as a complete meal.

The Ayam Rose (RM27++) is Chef Sandra’s take on the celebratory Malay dish of ayam masak merah – chicken cooked in a vibrant red sauce of tomato, chillies and spices. We like the stimulating complexity of the thick sauce: a cohesive melange of tangy tomatoes, chillies, onion, lemongrass and various spices. 

Well-smoked beef slices make the house speciality of Daging Salai Gulai Lemak (RM39++) outstanding in our books. The  gravy, accentuated by ground pepper and lemongrass’ fresh lemony-grassiness, has just the right degree of lemak santan (coconut cream richness) to it.

It's a highly recommended dish – we can’t wait to return to try the smoked beef short ribs version or Gulai Lemak Rusuk Salai (RM48++).

For a serving of greens, you can’t go wrong with Bendi Sambal Goreng (RM15++) – tender whole okra topped with coarsely pounded and fried red chillies, and crispy anchovies. Although the various dishes are tame in the fiery-hot department, each one is redolent with appetising, vivid flavours of the ingredients used.

As an avid fan of mee rebus, I’m stoked to find an on-point Mee Rebus Johor (RM19++). The thick, sweet-savoury gravy together with some batter crisps, firm beancurd, hardboiled egg, chopped spring onion and coriander, sliced beef and yellow noodles is satisfyingly delicious.

Local kuih naturally takes centrestage for dessert. The floral-shape, pretty as a picture Kuih Lapis Sakura (2 pcs, RM9++) is a light, subtly sweet treat to conclude the meal. We can’t get enough of the local confection’s ‘boing boing’ texture.

Equally notable is Kuih Kaswi (4 pcs, RM9++) – steamed cake made with tapioca and rice flour, palm sugar and pandan, and eaten with grated coconut.

Thirst-quenchers to try include Sarbat Pulau Pinang (RM12++) – a refreshing drink of spiced rose syrup with coconut juice and Kasturi Asam Boi (RM9++), fresh calamansi juice with salty preserved plums.

Teng informs us Chinta’s menu will change periodically. “The selection will remain relatively small as Sandra prefers to maintain the overall quality of the food.”

For reservations call Chinta by Chinoz, tel: 03-2201 375624. Address: Jalan Kemuja, Bukit Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 

PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP UNVEILS NEW LOUNGE AT KLIA

It was 25 years ago when the first Plaza Premium Lounge opened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has since come a full circle, proudly unveiling its spanking new Plaza Premium Lounge & Plaza Premium First at KLIA Terminal 1.

Officially opened by Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke amidst much fanfare, the new lounges incorporate Plaza Premium First and the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Available to business and leisure travellers, the tastefully designed lounges feature dedicated relaxation, socialising, dining and ‘work from anywhere’ spaces including private rooms for families or corporate use.

Song Hoi-See, PPG’s CEO and Founder said: “We founded the independent lounge concept 25 years ago in Malaysia. We’ve have since expanded our concept to over 70 international airports, and in conjunction with our 25th anniversary, we’ve returned to our roots and revisited the whole lounge experience.

“This launch is a testament to PPG’s growth in 2023 and beyond. Committed to “Make Travel Better”, we aim to transform Plaza Premium Lounge into a pre-flight space and also as a destination in its own right, in all the countries we operate in. We want to bring Malaysian culture to the forefront, where guests can visit us and discover something new every time.”

The interior design of both Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First pays homage to Malaysia’s art forms and its natural landscape. A rainforest tree serves as the focal point within the space, bestowing a touch of green for guests. Batik elements are incorporated into the lounge seating whilst dividing panels feature rattan-weaving patterns.

 

In collaboration with Art People Gallery, curated artworks from nine local, emerging artists are showcased throughout the two lounges, giving guests insights into the culture and traditions of Malaysia. At the entrance, an expansive art mural depicts Malaysia’s past, present and future.

Chef de Cuisine Andri Hadi is tasked with creating an a la carte menu for Plaza Premium First where dishes are cooked a la minute, while Plaza Premium Lounge’s offers a buffet menu.

Known for his elevated fusion creations, Chef Andri’s signature dishes include Nasi Lemak with Australian Beef Rendang for Plaza Premium First and Malaysia Curry Laksa for Plaza Premium Lounge. A refreshed menu featuring plant-based and vegetarian options will also be offered in its bid to promote sustainability and wellness.

Opening Offer (March 1 – June 30, 2023)

• Plaza Premium First – From RM202 per person (2-hour lounge use)
• Plaza Premium Lounge – From RM 146 per person (2-hour lounge use)